Mark 15.5 rebreather

I still believe that the Mark 15 is the finest, most engineered, most
tested rebreather in the world, bar none. Mostly due to the
conversations on this list as to why the Mark 15 Series rigs are the
best rigs for everyone to use, and how by simply buying one, you begin
to look like a Greek God with chiselled features that make women swoon
at the sight of you and your manly rebreather, and also the
conversations about how extended use of Cis Lunars, or Inspirations can
cause gonad atrophy, loss of chest hair, sagging buttocks, and a
general repulsion of most members of the opposite sex. So I decided in
the general interest of those who wish to regain their youthful vigour
by investigating thoroughly these magic machines which bestow such
virility on their owners, to publish a list of comparisons of these
magnificent units. All those who read and memorize these pages will find
a new robustness in their demeanour which will bring a twinkle of
anticipatory elation to the eyes of all women they meet, and a knowing
smile from other valorous men who too have heard the Word, and seen
the Way. And those who actually own and dive a Mark 15 Series
Rebreather already know the satisfaction of Crushing their Enemies,
Seeing them Driven Before You, and Hearing the Lamentations of their
Women... Kevin Juergensen

Wednesday 16th August

This week we have come to Mt Hypipamee National Park, near Atherton in far north Queensland, to explore "The Crater". This is a volcanic diatreme, with a sheer-walled shaft varying from 50 to 80m across, filled with water to a level 60m below the surface.

The site was first dived in 1959 by a group led by Fred Aprilovic. The fascinating report of their trip can be found here. Thanks to Fred Aprilovic and Bob King for this information.

The nature of the site presents a challenge to gain access to the water. Here is the view from the top.

The nature of the site presents a challenge to gain access to the water. Here is the view from the top.

First step, abseil down to the water, grab the rope dropped from the top of the wall and swim it across to the opposite side.

Then rig a flying fox to move people and equipment down to a small ledge about 10 metres above the water. From there you climb down to the water surface.

Note the green covering on the water. This is a layer of duck weed that covers the entire surface and blocks out almost all the light below.

Finally, then, time to go diving. Yesterday (Tuesday) Liz Rogers, Joel Vermey and Samuel Vermey did an initial dive to 30 metres to start the survey. Grant Pearce commenced the water monitoring studies and Nat Kenyon placed traps for aquatic invertebrates which will provide important information for the biosurvey of the site.

Today John Dalla-Zuanna and Craig Challen did the first deeper dive to 65m, the initial exploratory dives to the deeper part of the lake.